Banquet Coordinator, Adirondack Room at Butcher Block Restaurant
Libby Hyatt has found her sweet spot. After working in restaurants for years (she started at age 16) and spending time as a sales rep for a food distributor she has combined her love for the restaurant business with her customer relationship skills to become an event planner extraordi- naire. If you’ve attended a shower, a wedding or a business meeting at the Butcher Block’s Adirondack Room you’ve seen the results of Libby’s creativity and attention to detail. “I love what I do,” she explained. “Right now, during wedding season, I’m working sometimes 60 hours a week or more, but I don’t mind. When you truly love what you do, it’s not really work.”
Hometown: Plattsburgh, NY Age: 34
Education: Bachelor’s Business Management – State University of New York at Plattsburgh
Community Involvement: Sunrise Rotary
What’s your biggest professional success?
Last year I coordinated 35 weddings in The Adirondack Room.
What’s your dream job?
I have my dream job! My favorite part of my job is working with brides. There is excitement planning the “big day” with engaged couples and their families.
What important lessons have you learned in your career?
I have learned the importance of personal relationships. I have many clients who plan events in The Adirondack Room every year. It is important for me to get to know everyone personally. I truly want to go above and beyond to make every event perfect.
In recent years there has been an increased excitement around the downtown area with the farmers’ market, First Weekends, the Strand and Mayor’s Cup Festival and Regatta. With community support these events will be able to continue to grow.
How do you contribute to the culture of your company?
Event coordination can be very stressful. There are many moving parts for an event to appear flawless. I’m always thinking on my toes to make sure each crisis is taken care of without the guests knowing. Working in a restaurant can be demanding. It is important to work together as a team with a “all hands on deck” mentality. We help and support each other whatever the task at hand is.
What is something that no one would guess about you?
I originally went to college to be a home economics teacher.
Write a note to your younger self:
Hard work and a positive attitude pays off! On a personal note I wish I could go back in time and tell myself to wear sunscreen!!!